Nose
Begins with the traditional Cabernet aromas of blueberry, blackberry and cherry flavors but the cinnamon, maple, leather, clove, orange blossom, cardamom and violet soon jump into the mix.
Palate
On the palate the longevity of this wine is evident by the crisp clean acidity that is complimented by cranberry, red currant, pomegranate, strawberry and dark fruit flavors. All this suggests OE Exposure will need time in the cellar to seduce out its tightly wound layers, but the already existing balance between fruit, acidity and tannins make it hard to resist enjoying immediately.
Growing Conditions
The 2013 vintage began with a mild spring, good fruit set, followed by ideal growing conditions with mild weather through veraison that continued throughout the summer months. September was the warmest month of the vintage and pushed ripening along at a steady and even pace. The grapes accumulated good ripeness and flavor development because of the heat and resultant extended hang time. The harvest did not begin until September 22nd, and we were fortunate to have picked all but a micro-vineyard of Petit Verdot before the October rains. We had one pick after the rains, completing harvest on October 24th. The wines in general are very strong with intense color, flavor and good balance of acid and ripe tannins.
Aging
20 Months in 70% French New Oak and 30% 1 Year used French Oak (Sylvain, Nadalie, Ermitage Cooperages)
